The question over whether loot boxes constitute as gambling keeps popping up.
Australia’s government could be the latest set to investigate the gaming feature, after a Senate committee recommended a “comprehensive review” of loot boxes in a report re…
Category: Loot Boxes
After spending $10,000 in FIFA, player realizes it’s ‘not worth it’
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Over the course of two years, one man from the UK spent $10,000 on FIFA 17 and FIFA 18, only to realize that it was not worth it. At all.
A 32-year-old FIFA player named Michael told Eurogamer that, thanks to the new General Data Protection Regulation in the UK, he was able to go back and take a look at a whole bunch of data EA collected about his play sessions — including the amount of money he spent in the game. He was shocked to find he spent more than $10,000 on the popular soccer game.
Thanks to what Michael describes as his and his wife’s “healthy disposable income,” spending over $10,000 on a single game in two years didn’t really have a noticeable effect on his finances, but looking over the numbers he still wasn’t exactly comfortable with what he saw. Read more…
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‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ updates loot box system after months of criticism
Star Wars Battlefront II is finally getting a new progression system after its loot box system caused a massive outcry from fans and critics in late 2017.
EA announced a new linear progression for Star Wars Battlefront II Friday, which means that ins…
ESRB to add loot box disclaimer in video game ratings
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After months of debate about the moral implications of loot boxes in video games, in-game purchases like those are finally being recognized by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).
The ESRB, the preeminent video game rating system in the Unites States, announced Tuesday that it will be adding a new label to video games that include in-game purchases and loot boxes to make players and parents aware of what they are buying.
An update on in-game purchases from your friends at ESRB: pic.twitter.com/pqmfJe0Ywz
— ESRB (@ESRBRatings) February 27, 2018 Read more…
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19-year-old gambling addict lays out a case against video game microtransactions
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In a powerful open letter to the video game industry, a 19-year-old gambling addict gave a first-hand account of how in-game microtransactions and loot boxes can tempt young players into spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars for content.
Reddit user Kensgold, who asked us not to use his real name, shared his story on Reddit in November.
The post, aimed at the developers and publishers of Star Wars Battlefront II — and all other companies in the industry — explained how, at the age of 14, he spent well over $10,000 over the course of a few years thanks to microtransactions and, admittedly, his own addiction to gambling. Read more…
More about Gaming, Reddit, Gambling, Loot Boxes, and Star Wars Battlefront 2
‘Destiny 2’ has been misleading players
I may not understand the finer nuances of game development, but I know when I’m being fed a line of shit.
It was a rough holiday weekend for Destiny 2 developer Bungie after a brewing controversy over the game’s handling of experience points and play…
Belgium wants loot boxes out of Europe, says they’re a form of gambling
Belgium wants no part of this new loot box craze in video games.
The Belgian Gaming Commission declared that loot boxes in video games like Star Wars Battlefront II and Overwatch should be considered a form of gambling, Belgian news outlet VTM News r…
The original ‘Doom’ never had loot boxes, so the internet… fixed it?
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Doom — the original Doom, from 1993 — never had loot boxes. Now it doesThis is why we can’t have nice things.
OK, it’s not actually as bad as it sounds. The “loot boxes” come from a new mod for ZDoom, a fan-made port that, among other things, allows you to play and alter the original Doom on modern computers.
The so-called “Doom Loot Box Mod” removes all weapons and power-ups from the map, replacing them with locked crates. You need a key to unlock each crate, and keys can be obtained either as a rare random drop from downed enemies or via in-game purchases. Read more…
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View More The original ‘Doom’ never had loot boxes, so the internet… fixed it?‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ shoots down in-game purchases right before release day
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Like the Death Star, EA’s loot box disaster loomed over the release of Star Wars Battlefront II.
Now, the day before the game’s release, it looks like the rebels have won … for now. EA removed “crystals” — which cost IRL cash — from the game on Thursday after fans revolted.
The criticism was that people who spent tons of money would have an unfair advantage during multiplayer battles. Also, that cash wouldn’t just buy cosmetic items — it would give you access to Star Cards, which could give you credits to unlock special characters, including Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. (Yes, it’s complicated, and yes, we have an explainer.) Read more…
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View More ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ shoots down in-game purchases right before release dayEA denies accusations that ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ loot boxes are a form of gambling
The loot box system in Star Wars Battlefront II does not constitute as gambling, EA said in a statement today. This is in response to many people saying that it is, in fact, gambling by definition.
EA has been under fire for the loot box progression …